Memo Text
All Arkansas public school students are provided a free opportunity to take the ACT® as part of the state administration during their junior year of high school. However, fee waivers are available from ACT® for economically disadvantaged students to take the ACT® at no cost on a national test day. Eligible students can utilize up to two additional fee waivers to take the ACT® and qualify for free online test preparation for the assessment. This provides eligible students three opportunities to take a college reportable ACT® for free. Research shows that students who take the ACT® more than once have a higher average composite score resulting in more options for post secondary education.
Schools should inform students enrolled in grades 11 or 12 who qualify as economically disadvantaged of this opportunity to receive two ACT® fee waivers. Information about the eligibility requirements and how to request a fee waiver were sent to Arkansas high schools this past summer and are attached to this memo. Students must work with their local high school to determine eligibility. Students may not request a fee waiver directly from ACT®, but must contact their high school counselor or administration.
Schools are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity for the upcoming December 9, 2017, administration of the ACT®. In order for a student to test in December, schools need to ensure students have access to a signed ACT® fee waiver and are willing to take the assessment as soon as possible to allow time for:
-
Students to complete the registration by the November 3, 2017, deadline
-
Utilize the free online test preparation tools available if they qualify for a fee waiver before the December test date
-
Allow time for the school to assist students in registering and provide informational support about what to expect taking the ACT on a national test day. Schools should consider a checkout policy for approved calculators and consider transportation options if available.
The ADE will host an informational webinar about fee waivers and their use on October 17, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. The webinar may be accessed at: http://ardoe.adobeconnect.com/assessment2017-2018/.
Schools that qualify for the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) are still required to determine eligibility requirements for qualifying students. The attached information goes into the specifics regarding eligibility for students.
Attachments:
Fee Waiver Eligibility Requirements 2017-2018
National Test Dates